Mourinho reveals he wants to extend Carrick’s Man Utd contract

Jose Mourinho suggests Manchester United are likely to offer Michael Carrick a contract extension.

Carrick signed a one-year deal after Mourinho was appointed manager in the summer was expected to leave the club at the end of this season.

The former England international initially struggled for first-team football this term, but has been restored to the starting XI for the clashes with Swansea and Arsenal.

“Michael is 35 years old,” Mourinho said. “It is very sad to know that time flies for every one of us. He is such a fantastic player and it is a pity, I always loved him, but instead of being his manager when he was 25 I am his manager when he is 35.

“We have a good understanding. We know when he can play. We know when he is ready and when he needs a rest. I am still having Michael Carrick and probably for one more season.”

Carrick’s reintroduction to the side has coincided with an upturn in the form of world record signing Paul Pogba.

Ander Herrera, meanwhile, continues to impress, and Mourinho is encouraged by the balance of his current midfield.

“The midfield is playing very well,” he said. “Pogba, Carrick and Herrera, they are playing very well. Pogba is adapting much better in relationship to the intensity of the competition and he is much more confident.

“Obviously he plays with some guidelines over his position, but at the same time with some freedom to occupy some attacking areas where he feels and thinks he can be important. He is comfortable on the pitch. That is the best way of saying it.”